Which place is cheaper, Tromso or Dar es Salaam?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Tromso?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dar es Salaam and Tromso can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Tromso?
Dar es Salaam
Having grown from a fishing village, Dar es Salaam is now a major city and commercial port on Tanzania's Indian Ocean coast. While it is mainly used as a stopping point on the way to Zanzibar, it has a few unique treasures of its own such as the Kariakoo Market, National Museum, and the open-air Village Museum.
Tromso
The city of Tromso, in northern Norway, is named after the island of Tromsoya, on which it stands. Tromso is located 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle and is the largest city in Northern Norway. From September to March many people come to Tromso to see the northern lights. From 20 May to 20 July the midnight sun makes it possible to do as the locals and participate in various activities around the clock. In general, Tromso has a mild climate for such a northerly destination because of its seaside location and the warming effect of the Gulf stream. The area has a modern mix of outdoor activities, a vibrant nightlife, and places to eat local food.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.
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Dar es Salaam Prices
Tanzania PricesTromso Prices
Norway Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDar es Salaam $493Tromso $83
The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $493, while the average daily cost in Tromso is $83. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dar es Salaam and Tromso in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDar es Salaam $452Tromso $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDar es Salaam $904Tromso $64
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Tromso
Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam or Tromso? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Dar es Salaam Hotel Prices and Tromso Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dar es Salaam $14Tromso $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam
Also for Dar es Salaam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer/Airport pick up and drop off: $192
- Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
- Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfer: $120
- Private Transfer from Dar El Salaam to Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR): $106
- Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tromso
Also for Tromso, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Tromso Cable Car Arctic Panorama Transfer: $123
- Private Transfer Tromso Airport and City Vice Versa: $93
- Tromsø Private Airport-Hotel Transfer Service up to 13 guests: $45
Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or Tromso?
Prices for flights to both Tromso and Dar es Salaam change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayDar es Salaam $33Tromso $43
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tromso
For Tromso, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3 Hours Private Walking Food Tour in Norway: $185
- Reindeer Camp Dinner with Chance of Northern Lights in Tromso: $201
- Night Reindeer Sledding with Camp Dinner and Chance of Northern Lights: $205
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dar es Salaam -Tromso $6.59
Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dar es Salaam.
- Bagamoyo Full-Day Tour: Historic Slave Trade Route & Kaole Ruins: $255
- Dar Es Salaam City Tour (Full Day With Private Guide And Car): $140
- 2 Days 1 Night Bagamoyo Historical Tour : $300
- Ancient Bagamoyo City Day Tour: $249
- Bagamoyo Adventure, Historical Tour: $238
- Bagamoyo Historical Tour - Everyday: $199
- Bagamoyo Tour: $120
- Bird Watching Tour to Tegetero Forest 2days 1 night: $205
- Dar Es Salaam City Tour: $150
- Dar Es Salaam City tour: $164
- Dar Es Salaam Local Markets and Village-National Museum Day tour: $150
- Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97
Tours and Activities in Tromso
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tromso.
- 1 Hour Photo & History Cruise: $92
- Arctic fjord and Landscape Tour: $139
- 4 Hour Aurora Tour Photos Snacks and Warm Drinks Included: $98
- 7 hours Tromsø Aurora Tour: Photos, snacks & warm drinks included: $98
- Adventure Snowmobile Safari: $257
- All-Inclusive Arctic Fjords and Sommarøy Scenic Tour: $212
- Arctic Fjordcruise & Safari in Tromso with Luxury Catamaran : $150
- Arctic Nature Tour from Tromsø by minibus: $139
- Arctic Wildlife and Fjord Sightseeing: $232
- Aurora Adventure Tour with Creative Vacations: $268
- Aurora Cuisine Cruise: $195
- Aurora Magic Northern Lights Tour with Pro Photographer: $176
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDar es Salaam $7.97Tromso $5.47
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dar es Salaam and Tromso, we can see that Dar es Salaam is more expensive. And not only is Tromso much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dar es Salaam is in Africa and Tromso is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Tromso would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tromso and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Dar es Salaam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dar es Salaam than you might in Tromso.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dar es Salaam Expensive? and Is Tromso Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Tromso?
Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Tromso. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Tromso, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Dar es Salaam or Tromso?
Tromso has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dar es Salaam experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Tromso in the Summer?
Both Tromso and Dar es Salaam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dar es Salaam throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Tromso in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Dar es Salaam is generally much warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (77°F), and Tromso fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
It's quite sunny in Tromso. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during summer. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 205 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Tromso. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDar es Salaam 25°C (77°F)Tromso 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Tromso in the Autumn?
Both Tromso and Dar es Salaam during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dar es Salaam because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Tromso for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Tromso can be very cold during autumn. Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Tromso in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Tromso fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
It's quite sunny in Dar es Salaam. In the autumn, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 49 hours of full sun.
Tromso gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in October than Tromso. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDar es Salaam 25°C (78°F)Tromso 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Tromso in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Tromso. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Tromso because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
The weather in Tromso can be very cold. In the winter, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dar es Salaam in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Tromso averages at about -4°C (25°F).
In Dar es Salaam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during winter. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 3 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Dar es Salaam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tromso. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDar es Salaam 28°C (82°F)Tromso -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Tromso in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Tromso. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tromso this time of year.
It's quite cold in Tromso in the spring. In April, Dar es Salaam is generally much warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 27°C (81°F), and Tromso fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).
In the spring, Dar es Salaam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tromso. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 160 hours of full sun.
Dar es Salaam receives a lot of rain in the spring. Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in April than Tromso. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDar es Salaam 27°C (81°F)Tromso 1°C (33°F)
Typical Weather for Tromso and Dar es Salaam
| Dar es Salaam | Tromso | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.